barrel fluting ?

[Westex]

would a older Bridgeport mill be good for fluting barrels . found a few but they were kinda in rough shape . I guess a good power feed would be needed for fluting ? thx! Mark

 

[shortgrass]

If you're a hobbiest, and time doesn't matter, a manual vertical mill that's in good shape will work. Unless you like turning handles by hand a power feed is a must,,,,, it'll improve surface finish and tool life, too. Besides the mill and tooling you'll need a dividing head to index the barrel and some kind of supports or 'jacks' to keep the middle of the barrel from springing away from the tool (chatter). A flood coolant system would be my choice,,, I've never tried a mist system on something like fluting. A "mister" will put alot of coolant in the air, anyway. A tool holder of the proper size for the tool is prefered over collets. A couple of dial indicators will be required, too. One will be used to get the taper of the barrel straight with the table, and then used again as you'll need a "start" and/or a "finish" (that's why you'd need two), unless you have DRO or can work from the dials.

 

[Westex]

thx! I found a mill but it needed some fixin up . I think I will keep looking and find one with some tooling and a power feed and maybe index jig . these heavy barrels are killing me ! and I really don't like turning them down on my lathe . thx! Mark

 

[Larryh128]

Shortgrass is very correct about a mister, lots of airborne coolant. Stay away from them, you only have 1 set of lungs.

 

[Westex]

i know! I would like to have mine for a while longer . I see to many folks with oxygen tanks!

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

For the small amount of money, I send mine to "boltfluter" here on this board. I have a great mill but Paul has the tooling for excellent results. If your'e looking to do it yourself and want to have the satisfaction of doing it yourself, do all the research you can as it can be tedious.

 

[boltfluter]

Thanks woody. 8)

Regards, Paul

The new site if anybody would like to check it out:
www.boltfluting.com

 

[butchlambert]

I have 2 Bridgeports, but I would definitely send it out. I have dividing heads and indexers, but that will allow straight flutes only. I've done straight flutes, but still! Set up time for a straight flute tells me to send them out. Tooling for a spiral flute would allow you to send more bolts out than you can count.

 

[Westex]

Yes ! I think your right send it out ! spend time and money on something else. thx! Mark